'Becoming a Doctor' webinar

University of Southampton are hosting a webinar taking place on Wednesday 19th March at 4:30pm and is entitled 'Becoming a Doctor'. The webinar will explore why patient and colleague relationships are so important in the medical profession and how the University of Southampton enables their students to become doctors who put patient care front and centre. 

Register here. 

Gresham College runs an annual oracy competition for state school students in Year 12 to promote the art of communicating complex information in a clear, concise and compelling way. Students are asked to submit a five-minute, recorded presentation on a given topic.

The competition:

• Will help you with UCAS applications and job interviews

• Promotes a deeper understanding of your chosen topic

• Introduces students to the inspiring research of world-class academics

• Provides an opportunity for you to enhance your presentation skills

Finalists are invited to attend a half-day, confidence-building and presentation skills workshop, before presenting in person at the grand final a few weeks later. Both workshop and final are held in London with travel costs covered by the College.

Everyone who is a finalist receives a small prize. There are three further awards for the best presentations:

• Gold: £1000 for the winner, and £500 to their school

• Silver: £700 to the winner, £300 to their school 

• Bronze: £500 to the winner, £200 to their school

The 2025 Competition

You should choose one of the six questions below, and create a recorded video presentation of no more than five minutes: 

1. Pick an historical figure whose influence, story or achievements you feel have been either overvalued or undervalued. Argue why this should be redressed   

2. Aside from social media, what in your view is the most important positive – or negative – invention of the 21st century, and why?  

3. How much is too much wealth?   

4. Aside from English and Maths, which subject(s) should be compulsory at school and why?  

5. Which book should we all read and why? (can be fiction or non-fiction)  

6. How do you think the evolution of social media platforms has impacted (either negatively or positively) the way you communicate, build relationships, and express your identity?  

The main focus of the video presentation should be you speaking, but they allow use of images, graphs, slides or other visual props that help explain reasoned points.  Here you can find some resources to help you create a clear, concise, logical and engaging presentation. 

Submitting the entry: 

You will need to fill out the form* and then upload the video file here: https://near.tl/sm/pVBjWr8VH. Please note that the file which is uploaded must have your first name and surname in the title.   

*If they do not receive the form with the video file, the entry will not be accepted.  

The Sutton Trust Summer School Programme offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in university life. Students will develop the confidence and skills needed to choose where to apply and what to study, be competitive applicants wherever that is, and find support with a network of like-minded peers.

Students will apply to one of their 13 top-tier UK university partners where they will take part in:

• Social activities

• Taster academic sessions

• Application skills workshops

Alongside the in-person programme, every student will have access to long-term support with university applications via their online portal STO.

All costs including travel, accommodation, food and activities are covered by the Trust and their partners which means it is completely free of charge for students to attend.

Who can apply?

To apply for the programme, students must:

• Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non-fee-paying school/college

• Be in Year 12 at the start of the programme.

They prioritise students based on a range of social mobility criteria including eligibility for free school meals, and the context of their school and neighbourhood.

The Medical Schools Council acknowledges virtual work experience as an equal alternative to in-person shadowing based on a discovery report conducted by Health Education England. Students interested in medicine to participate in a FREE National NHS Virtual Work Experience programme. They offer a variety of medical specialties, with a focus this month on palliative care. This enables students to gain a well-rounded perspective of working within the NHS.

Developed in collaboration with Birmingham Universities Hospitals Trust, this Virtual Work Experience has proven to be transformative for thousands of secondary school students over the past year. It also provides a strong foundation of knowledge for students who are preparing to undertake future in-person placements. They have designed a 6-month medical e-learning work experience programme, focusing on one specialty each month, allowing students to set their own pace of learning. From structured teaching to direct interaction with doctors and healthcare professionals, their programme ensures students not only observe procedures but also gain a broader understanding of roles within the medical field.

Covering everything from confidentiality and ethics workshops delivered by the GMC to clinical procedures, the virtual work experience provides a crucial overview, thereby enhancing students’ UCAS applications.

Signing up is easy –  just fill out the online application form:

UEA offer a comprehensive programme of online taster lectures, open to all

Taster days are a great way to see if you like a subject and it can help with your UCAS application next year. Register here

There’s a fantastic opportunity with the organisation tutor2u who are offering a new Free Online Course for all Sixth Form students. The course includes a mix of videos, engaging activities and resource downloads and covers:

• An overview of the options for students beyond their time in sixth form

• Finding out more – suggested research links

• Advice on how to make strong applications to higher education institutions

• How to complete an effective personal statement

• Specialist higher education applications (including Oxbridge, medicine etc)

• All about apprenticeships

• Gap years

• Student finances – a practical guide

Use the link here to register: Studentshttps://ondemand.tutor2u.net/students/beyond-sixth-form-skills-booster

Speakers for Schools has a range of work experience opportunities, just be aware some are aimed at students in England - especially the Healthcare ones which relate to NHS England. Use the link here to see whether there’s anything relevant to you. 

Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors. March’s lectures include:

Banned Books and Freedom of Expression Professor Rachel Potter Wed, 12 Mar

General advice

Discover Uni is a government-funded facility which has data on nearly every university and their courses. You can find the entry data of students who joined a degree course and the percentage of those students who entered with particular grades - if you have the same grades then your chances are higher than if you have lower grades.try the website here: Discover Uni. 

Many universities have got upcoming Open Days so make sure you have a look at the places you think you may want to study at. I’ve just put the links for our most popular destinations’ Open Days below as well as the Open Days calendar. 

To make sure you understand the grades you might need for courses you’re interested in and confirm entry requirements please use the following website: https://www.whatuni.com/ Ask your LC to look at courses with you if you’re not sure whether you might need specific subjects/grades for a course you are considering.

Snapshot: Imperial College London

Became a university in: 2007 (Of course it’s actually much older!)

Student population: 22,255 (2022/23)

Location: South Kensington and White City, London

Subject areas: Engineering, Science, Medicine and Business

Admissions: Super competitive. AAA to A*A*A, with many departments requiring admissions tests and/or interviews. And beware, students may get offers well above the published grades, as admissions tutors like to stretch their applicants if they can!

The USW Summer School 2025 will take place from 21st – 25th July across their campuses and Expressions of Interest from students are now open.

Participants are invited to dive into 5 days of interactive academic sessions, well-being workshops, and general support with information, advice and guidance to help them explore new ideas, skills and pathways.

With a broad range of subject areas to choose from, participants can build their own schedule from activities delivered across all campuses and provision, getting the most out of the state-of-the-art facilities and expert-led sessions.

They are now welcoming Expressions of interest for this week of enrichment, growth, and connection.

Eligible applicants* should fill out the Expression of Interest form today to register for further details.  

Expression of Interest Form

Bristol University’s Destinations Conference 2025 for students from Asian and Black backgrounds is open.

The Destinations Conference will take place on Wednesday 19th March 2025 17:00 – 18:30 online and is free for Asian and Black students in Year 12 to attend – sign up here.

The event will be online, with current students, societies and staff in attendance to offer an insight into the lived experiences of Students of Colour at the University of Bristol. 

They are also able to offer free train travel to one of their June Open Days to attendees of The Destinations Conference. Terms and conditions apply. 

If you have any questions that you would like to submit anonymously before the event you can submit them here. You can also ask questions live on the night.

Newcastle University

PwC Virtual Insight Programme

 PwC’s national Virtual Insight Programme is now open for applications. 

Over three days of interactive sessions – Tuesday 29 July - Thursday 31 July – students will learn about PwC’s culture, different business areas, and how they can apply to join one of the world's largest accounting firms. 

You will also get guidance and top tips on the application process and support building skills ready for the workplace.  

Cardiff University is inviting Year 12 pupils interested in studying Medicine or Dentistry at university to apply for a 4-day residential summer school. This program offers a fantastic opportunity to practice clinical skills, meet current university students, and prepare for Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Find out more information and apply now.

They also have their ‘Discover Cardiff’ webinar series: this is an ongoing webinar series aimed at students looking to apply to university. Students are welcome to attend as many sessions as they like with new topics regularly being added to the schedule.

Nottingham University 

Catch up on some of their online taster lectures from the School of Pharmacy

Swansea University

Are you looking to study a Biomedical Sciences degree at university? Swansea University are hosting a Biomedical Sciences Experience Day on Thursday 24th April, for Year 12 students, currently studying either Biology and/or Chemistry. 

The event will: 

• Give you the opportunity to learn about what Biomedical Sciences entail 

• Experience a taster lecture from one of their Biomedical Sciences Academics 

• Explore their lab facilities and see real life research in action 

• Participate in a practical based lab workshop 

• Listen to current student experiences and have the opportunity to ask questions 

• Learn tips and tricks on how to apply for University 

To register your attendance, please complete this form by 5pm on Friday 11th April 2025: https://forms.office.com/e/s57D3X8RRj  

They also have an upcoming 2025 Open Day

The next on-campus event is Saturday 22 March.

These open days are great for both early researchers in year 12, and year 13 students who have submitted their UCAS application but haven’t had a chance to visit us yet or are questioning their choices on their application form. You will have the opportunity to:-

• Find out about more about courses

• Speak to staff and current students studying their chosen subjects

• Take a campus tour of the campus and department facilities

Book onto an Open Day now

Aberystwyth University is accepting applications for their summer residential programme Access All Access All Aber 2025 which will be taking place July 1st – 5th. Click here to apply for Access All Aber

What is Access All Aber?

Access All Aber is a fantastic opportunity; the programme includes:

• FREE en-suite accommodation

• FREE return transport from school

• FREE meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day

• FREE Sports Centre access during your stay

• 3 Subject Session of your choice

• Campus and Facilities tours

• General guidance sessions about student finance and the UCAS process

• Loads of different social sessions

• Attend the University’s Open Day on Saturday 5th July

Eligibility

Access All Aber is a Widening Participation Summer residential programme. To be eligible to take part in AAA, students must be –

• Domiciled in Wales

• In Year 12

• Fulfil one or more of their WP eligibility criteria – more information on their website here.

University of Sheffield Summer Schools (Applications open soon)

The Access to Sheffield offer includes two national summer schools that allow students to come onto campus and experience university life. The Access to Sheffield Summer School focuses on preparing students for university life and developing the essential skills needed for higher education. The Sutton Trust Summer School offers subject specific strands which allow students to experience university level study in their chosen subject. Register your interest now. 

Bangor University has a good series of free online lectures from The School of History, Law and Social Science. These lectures are tailored for students thinking about studying at University. Designed to give you a taste of what it's like to study at University level, they are a great way to get to know a subject area better and get a taste of what's to come as well as add to your supercurriculars.

Use the link here to register and book. 

Their Department of Psychology has launched the Psychology at Bangor Webinar Series,  featuring free webinars on a variety of fascinating topics in psychology. These webinars will be delivered by members of  teaching and research staff, who are experts in their fields.

The next webinar in the series will take place on 18th March, 4.30pm and will be delivered by Dr. Awel Vaughan-Evans, who will explore the psychology of music. They’ll start by briefly discussing evolutionary theories of music perception, before looking at factors that can influence our appreciation of music.  Finally, they’ll review research that has looked at the therapeutic benefits of music. If you are interested in attending, you can register for free here.

Here are some of the other topics that will be covered throughout the year:

• How training for a marathon makes you a better person

• The power of listening and how counselling can change lives

• How the brain learns and stores concepts

Cambridge University

Here are some super curricular opportunities from Cambridge; they are for all students, not just prospective Cambridge applicants.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

You might also want to check out the advice given on the ‘Better uni choices’ site which has some helpful tips on how to get the best out of attending Open Days. 

Aspire is a collection of free careers, university and further education resources. It is designed to give state-educated students the tools and knowledge they need to make more informed decisions about their future. Their ‘guide’ is a free resource, full of information and guidance, designed to inform you and help you navigate the range of careers and further education out there. Access the online version of the Guide, alongside other resources, on the Aspire website

Please sign up for Uptree here and then check out all the opportunities they have: https://schools.uptree.co/opportunities/  and also the different events they have on offer https://schools.uptree.co/events/ 

Network 75 

PwC has more information for potential accountants, business management or technology students interested in degree apprenticeships with them. Use the link  here to find out more